Rice picked a number on the high side of the 48- to 70-month sentencing range agreed to in a plea deal between federal prosecutors and defense attorneys.
Prosecutors said Scarpelli used the money to gamble millions of dollars at Hollywood Casino in Lawrenceburg, Ind., and to purchase four vehicles — including two 1967 Chevrolet Camaros — plus six motorcycles, three boats, two travel trailers, a golf cart and real estate in three Ohio counties. Many of the assets were put in the name of Scarpelli’s partner, Deanna Leis. All will be forfeited.
Prior to sentencing, Scarpelli told Rice: “I’ve taken ownership and responsibility of my actions.”
Scarpelli was ordered to pay restitution of $250,000 to U.S. Bank and $4.965 million to the bank's insurance company. She pleaded guilty in April 2015. Sentencing was delayed for several reasons.
Scarpelli also was ordered to perform 100 hours of community service, be on five years’ supervised release after prison, resolve Internal Revenue Service tax issues, get a mental health assessment and treatment, and ordered to attend Gambler’s Anonymous.
“I’m glad there’s closure,” defense attorney Dennis Gump said. “Maybe not exactly what we wanted. But he did adopt the plea agreement, which saved a lot of time.”
Assistant U.S. Attorney Sheila Lafferty argued for a sentence on the high end of the range while Scarpelli’s attorneys asked for 48 months and cited other embezzlement cases.
“I think this is something that she is sincerely sorry for and remorseful,” Gump said.
Scarpelli left Dayton’s Federal Building without comment and remained on electronic home detention. She will be allowed to voluntarily surrender in a few weeks. Her attorneys asked to let her attend her nephew’s June 11 wedding. Rice hadn’t yet ruled on that motion.
Defense attorneys Lawrence Greger and Gump argued that Scarpelli’s gambling addiction led to her actions. Rice acknowledged that in part, noting Scarpelli’s “icon” status at the casino.
Rice said Scarpelli was “not just motivated by a gambling addiction, though that was a significant factor.” Rice also said that when they get their hooks into someone with a gambling addiction, “they don’t let go.”
But the judge also referenced a psychiatric report that said Scarpelli had "anti-social" tendencies and was not amenable to rehabilitation. Rice said Scarpelli's crimes involved hundreds of transactions over years.
The U.S. Secret Service distributed a statement that it “is dedicated to pursuing and arresting those who victimize our community and businesses” and thanked the Southern District of Ohio Financial Crimes Task Force, West Carrollton police Det. Robert Bell and the U.S. Attorney’s Office. The U.S. Dept. of Justice also thanked Miamisburg police Chief John Sedlak.
Scarpelli started at the branch in 1996 and became branch manager in 2006.
About the Author